Zimbabwe has secured a landmark trade breakthrough following the signing of a phytosanitary protocol with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China. The agreement, finalised in September 2025, allows the export of fresh blueberries from Zimbabwe to China under Beijing’s zero-tariff policy, opening access to a lucrative market of 1.4 billion consumers.
The development, announced by Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba—who also serves as Deputy Chief Secretary to the Cabinet—marks the culmination of intricate negotiations that began in April 2024. The pact adds to a growing list of agricultural commodity agreements between Harare and Beijing, which already encompass citrus, avocados, and macadamia nuts. Negotiations for a protocol on chilli exports are reported to be underway.
Zimbabwe’s blueberries have, in recent years, attracted significant attention on the global stage for their quality, flavour profile, and growing consistency. The new agreement will enable producers to scale up output and diversify export markets, consolidating Zimbabwe’s position as a rising player in high-value horticulture. The deal is expected to stimulate foreign currency inflows, support rural employment, and attract fresh investment into the agricultural sector.
Agriculture is widely recognised as a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery strategy. The government has actively sought to reposition the sector, targeting export-led growth by deepening ties with emerging economies. China, already one of Zimbabwe’s largest trading partners, offers a vast consumer base and a policy framework that has proved favourable to African produce. For Zimbabwean farmers, tapping into China’s rapidly expanding middle class presents an unparalleled opportunity for growth.
Industry experts note that phytosanitary protocols are often a formidable barrier to market entry due to the stringent safety, pest control, and quality assurance requirements involved. That Zimbabwe successfully concluded this protocol underscores both diplomatic agility and technical preparedness. It also reflects Beijing’s growing appetite for diversifying its food imports by engaging new suppliers beyond its traditional partners.
The blueberry industry in Zimbabwe has expanded rapidly over the past decade, buoyed by private investment and favourable climatic conditions. According to the Horticultural Development Council, the country’s blueberry exports have increased tenfold since 2018, with key markets including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. The Chinese market, however, offers unmatched scale, with consumption of blueberries rising sharply as consumer preferences shift towards healthier diets.
The government’s close coordination—led by the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Finance—was instrumental in clinching the deal. By aligning legal, diplomatic, and financial expertise, Harare has demonstrated a capacity to negotiate strategically within the complex arena of international agricultural trade.
This breakthrough comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to broaden its economic base and strengthen resilience against global commodity price fluctuations. The blueberry agreement could well serve as a model for future agricultural diplomacy, not only deepening bilateral relations with China but also signalling to other markets that Zimbabwe is open for business.
